Background: Lifestyle plays one of the central roles in determining the overall health of a person, including health-care professionals. Despite their extensive medical knowledge, doctors are susceptible to lifestyle-related diseases due to the demanding nature of their profession. Assessing the lifestyle factors of doctors is essential for promoting healthier habits and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases within the medical community.
Aims and Objectives: We aimed to explore the lifestyle factors of doctors working in a medical college in Odisha, India, using the FANTASTIC Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational survey study was conducted over a period of 6 months, involving 152 doctors (75 males and 77 females) aged 30–70 years. Convenience sampling was used, and participants provided written consent. Lifestyle factors such as food intake patterns, physical activity, stress management, and overall health were assessed using the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests.
Results: The majority of doctors were classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, with a higher prevalence of obesity among females. Most participants demonstrated good or fair lifestyle scores, indicating a positive trend toward healthier habits. However, a significant proportion had low lifestyle scores, particularly among female doctors.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of promoting healthier lifestyle habits among doctors to improve their well-being and enhance patient care. Targeted interventions aimed at improving dietary habits, physical activity levels, and stress management are essential for fostering a culture of health within the medical community.
Key words: Lifestyle Factors; Doctors; Medical College; FANTASTIC Questionnaire; Body Mass Index; Health Promotion
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